What Happens After I Apply?

So, you’ve filled out your Volunteer in Pinellas (VIP) application. You’ve told us what you’re interested in and, maybe, what department you’d like to volunteer with. What’s next?

Application Match

• Your application is important to us. As soon as it is received, we evaluate your responses and match you to available opportunities.

• We forward your application to every department with an available opportunity that fits your interests.
• Within one week, a volunteer site coordinator will contact you by phone or email to schedule an informal interview to further evaluate your interests and skills.
• In some cases it may be determined that there isn’t an opportunity available in that particular department that's right for you. In that case, other sites may be suggested with further opportunities that better match your goals as well as the department’s needs.

Your volunteer site coordinator will provide an orientation that includes:

• Department policies and procedures
• Commitment and Placement Form
• Volunteer Services Handbook or the online orientation (see link below)

• All volunteers and interns 18 and older must be fingerprinted for a mandatory criminal history background check investigation.
• Pinellas County covers the costs.
• A photo will be taken for the ID badge.
• Please print the Criminal History Background Check and Fingerprinting Procedures and Forms, and bring it with you when you have your fingerprints taken.

Special Orientations and Training

• Special orientation and training is required for certain volunteer placements such as those using power tools, special equipment, or vehicles.
• The department may provide this training or require proof of certification or demonstration of knowledge and ability to operate the equipment.

HIPAA Training

• If volunteering in areas where you will interact with citizens with health issues, before you begin your assignment you are required to:
  • Complete the HIPAA Basics Orientation by the Florida Department of Children and Families
  • Sign the HIPAA Employee Confidentiality Agreement and give it to your site coordinator.